Device and method for removing particulates from a keyboard

ABSTRACT

A device for cleaning and removing particulates located in between and underneath a pair of keyboard keys is provided. The device includes a handle, a bristle retaining portion extending in a direction d 1  away from the handle, and a plurality of bristles connected with and extending from the bristle retaining portion at the engagement area. The bristle retaining portion has a first end connected with the handle and an engagement area located on the bristle retaining portion at a point on the bristle retaining portion which is furthest from the handle. The engagement area has a thickness t 1  of less than 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm. The bristles form a brush. The brush has diameter of greater than 3 mm and less than 20 mm. The device also includes a base stand including a generally flattened bottom portion and a screen cleaning device adhered onto the bottom portion.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Present application claims priority to U.S. Design patentapplication No. 29/366,872, filed 30 Jul. 2010. The content of this U.S.Design patent application is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to processes and devices forcleaning articles. More specifically, it relates to a brush for removingparticulates and other matter from in between the keys of a keyboard.

BACKGROUND

Mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, hereinafter referred to assimply mechanical devices, having keys or buttons, such as calculators,cash registers, computer and typewriter keyboards, often have a thinspace between the buttons or keys which may attract particulates anddust which get trapped in between and underneath the keys or buttons. Itis often difficult to remove the particulates from in between andunderneath the keys or buttons. One method for removing particulates anddust trapped between and underneath keys or buttons of a mechanicaldevice requires using a traditional computer brush having bristles whichextend directly from a handle and into the spacing between the keys.Since the bristles of the traditional computer brush extend generally ina primary direction d_(P) that is perpendicular to a secondary directiond_(S), where the secondary direction d_(S) extends from a first key to asecond key, the bristles of the traditional computer brush have somedifficulty removing particulates and dust trapped underneath the keys orbuttons, hereinafter referred to as simply keys, of a mechanical device.

Another method for removing particulates and dust trapped between andunderneath keys of a mechanical device requires blowing compressed airon and in between the keys of a mechanical device. However, blowingcompressed air often results in just moving the particulates and dustfurther underneath the keys and deeper into the mechanical device.Additional methods for removing particulates and dust trapped betweenand underneath keys of a mechanical device include the use of a cottontipped member, such as a Q-Tip™, or towel wipes. However both the cottontipped member and the towel wipes have difficulty reaching fullyunderneath the keys of the mechanical device. Vacuums may also be usedto try and remove particulates and dust trapped between and underneathkeys of a mechanical device, however, inevitably there is often dust andparticulates which even the vacuum has difficulty removing.

As a result, it would be desirable to have an improved method and devicefor removing particulates and dust trapped between and underneath keyswhich is able to reach and remove the particulates and dust trapped inbetween and underneath keys.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, device for cleaning and removing particulates located inbetween and underneath a pair of keys for a mechanical device isprovided. The device includes, but is not limited to, a handle, abristle retaining portion extending in a direction d₁ away from thehandle, and a plurality of bristles connected with and extending fromthe bristle retaining portion at the engagement area. The bristleretaining portion has a first end connected with the handle and anengagement area located on the bristle retaining portion at a point onthe bristle retaining portion which is furthest from the handle. Theengagement area has a thickness t₁ of less than 1 mm and greater than0.5 mm. The thickness t₁ is measured in a direction d₂ which isgenerally perpendicular to the direction d₁ of the bristle retainingportion. The bristles form a brush. The brush has diameter of greaterthan 3 mm and less than 20 mm.

In one aspect, a method for cleaning a computer or typewriter keyboardis provided. The keyboard includes a pair of keys spaced apart adistance S₁ from each other. The method includes, but is not limited toinserting an engagement area of a cleaning device in between the keysand moving bristles of the cleaning device in between and under the keysto collect particulates which may be present. The cleaning deviceincludes a handle, a bristle retaining portion extending in a directiond₁ away from the handle, and a plurality of bristles connected with andextending from the bristle retaining portion at the engagement area.

The bristle retaining portion has a first end connected with the handleand the engagement area located on the bristle retaining portion at apoint on the bristle retaining portion which is furthest from thehandle. The engagement area has a thickness t₁ which is less than thedistance S₁. The thickness t₁ is measured in a direction d₂ which isgenerally perpendicular to the direction d₁ of the bristle retainingportion. The bristles form a brush. The brush has diameter of greaterthan 3 mm and less than 20 mm.

In one aspect, a method for cleaning a computer or typewriter keyboardwith a cleaning device is provided. The keyboard includes a pair of keysspaced apart a distance S₁ from each other. The cleaning device includesa handle, a bristle retaining portion extending in a direction d₁ awayfrom the handle, and a plurality of bristles connected with andextending from the bristle retaining portion at an engagement area. Thebristle retaining portion has a first end connected with the handle andthe engagement area located on the bristle retaining portion at a pointon the bristle retaining portion which is furthest from the handle. Themethod includes, but is not limited to, inserting the engagement area inbetween the keys.

In one aspect, a device for displaying a visual imprint is provided. Thedevice includes, but is not limited to, a handle having a narrow baseportion and a widened gripping portion which provides enough area A₁ fora user to retain the handle and display a visual imprint, a retainedmember which is connected with the handle, and a base stand which isdetachably coupled with the handle and forms an opening through which atleast a portion of the retained member extends into. The widenedgripping portion includes a display surface for receiving the visualimprint. At least a portion of the retained member is housed within thebase stand. The retained member is one of a USB memory device, a brush,a touch screen stylus, a pen, a marker, a pencil or any other writingutensil, tweezers, or a light-based device such as a flash light or alaser pointer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of a device for displaying avisual imprint, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a front elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1,in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a right side elevational view of the device shown in FIG.1, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a left side elevational view of the device shown in FIG.1, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of a device for displaying avisual imprint detached from a base, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 8attached with the base, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 8without a protective cap around the base, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts a front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 9without a protective cap around the base, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 12 depicts a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 11, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIG. 11, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts a left side elevational view of a cleaning deviceinserted in between a pair of keys, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15 depicts an enlarged left side elevational view of the cleaningdevice shown in FIG. 14 within circle A, in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 16 depicts a bottom plan view of a brush of the cleaning deviceshown in FIG. 14, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17 depicts a left side elevational view of the brush of thecleaning device shown in FIG. 14, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 18 depicts a front perspective view of a device for displaying avisual imprint detached from a base, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, and 19E depict various left side elevationalviews of various brushes for use with a cleaning device, each view inaccordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods and systems consistent with the present invention overcome thedisadvantages of conventional brushes and keyboard cleaning systems byproviding a cleaning device for cleaning and removing particles locatedin between and underneath a pair of keyboard keys having a handle, abristle retaining portion extending in a direction d₁ away from thehandle, and a plurality of bristles connected with and extending fromthe bristle retaining portion at an engagement area. The engagement areais located on the bristle retaining portion at a point on the bristleretaining portion which is furthest from the handle. The engagement areahas a thickness t₁ which is less than a distance S₁ between a pair ofadjacent keys on a keyboard. This allows the engagement area to beplaced in between the keys of a keyboard. Additionally since thebristles extend from the bristle retaining portion at the engagementarea in a variety of directions, the bristles are able to extendunderneath the keys of the keyboard to remove particulates and dusttrapped underneath the keys of the keyboard.

With reference to FIGS. 1-11, and 18 there is shown a device 100 fordisplaying a visual imprint 152. The device 100 can be a variety ofdevices, such as a cleaning device 200 used for cleaning a computer ortypewriter keyboard 104, a storage device 300 for storing digital datasuch a USB memory device 302 having a USB connector 304, a touch screenstylus, a pen, a marker, a pencil or any other writing utensil,tweezers, a light-based device such as a flash light or a laser pointer.Preferably the device 100 is small enough in dimension and light enoughin weight so as to be hand held, preferably by a pair of fingers, anddisplayed on a desktop of a user.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the device 100 has aheight H₁ from 50 mm to 250 mm, and preferably from 50 mm to 100 mm, soas to be displayed on a desktop of a user without cluttering the desk orblocking too many objects, such as a computer display screen.Preferably, the device 100 has a width W₁ at its widest point of between15 mm and 100 mm, and more preferably of between 20 mm and 50 mm, so asto allow the device 100 to stand upright and be displayed on a desktopof a user without cluttering the desk or blocking too many objects. Inone embodiment the device 100 has a weight from 5 grams to 250 grams,and more preferably from 10 grams to 100 grams, so that the device 100is light enough for a user is able to lift the device 100 with a singlehand and preferably with a pair of fingers.

Device 100 includes a handle 110 which is detachably coupled with a basestand 140, and a retained member 170 which is connected with the handle110. As used herein, the term detachably coupled or detachably securedrefers to coupling or securing a first member to a second member in amanner in which the two members are designed to be unfastened ordisconnected from each other without damage to either member. Thisallows for a user to disconnect or unfasten the two members from eachother without damage so that a user may service the two members orrepeatedly use the two members independently from each other. Detachablecouplings may include a snap-fit coupling, a frictionally engagingcoupling which includes members which frictionally engage each othersuch as a rubber “O” ring which would frictionally engage the twomembers, a threaded coupling such as a screw and threaded engagementmember, a magnetic coupling, a mechanical coupling such as a hook andloop type fastener.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the handle 110 has a narrow base portion114 which detachably couples to the base stand 140 and a widenedgripping portion 116 which provides enough area A₁ for a user to retainthe handle 110 and display a visual imprint 152. Preferably, the area A₁is from 3 cm² to 50 cm², and more preferably from 3 cm² to 10 cm², andmost preferably from 3 cm² to 8 cm². Preferably, the handle 110 has aheight H₂ from 30 mm to 250 mm, and preferably from 30 mm to 100 mm, soas to be displayed on a desktop of a user without cluttering the desk orblocking too many objects, such as a computer display screen.Preferably, narrow base portion 114 has a width W₂ at its widest pointof between 3 mm and 50 mm, and more preferably of between 5 mm and 40mm, and the widened gripping portion 116 has a width W₃ at its widestpoint of between 10 mm and 100 mm, and more preferably of between 15 mmand 60 mm. The handle 110 is preferably made from a hardened, stiffmaterial, such as a polymer, a rubber, a ceramic, a wood, or a metal.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the widened gripping portion 116includes a display surface 150 for receiving a visual imprint 152. Thedisplay surface 150 has an area A₂ which is large enough to clearlydisplay the visual imprint 152 from a distance of 1 cm to 50 cm from auser. Preferably, the area A₂ is from 3 cm² to 50 cm², and morepreferably from 3 cm² to 10 cm², and most preferably from 3 cm² to 8cm². Preferably, the display surface 150 is recessed a depth d_(r) intothe handle 110 from an outer surface 118 of the handle 110. Preferably,the depth d_(r) is from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

The visual imprint 152 may be any visually imprinted and displayed item,such as text, a symbol, a logo, a photo, or a work of art. Preferably,the visual imprint 152 is formed on a label 160 using either a printingprocess, an embossing process, or a silk-screening process, or any otherprocess which may impart an image onto an object. The label 160 includesan imprinted surface 162 upon which the visual imprint 152 is imprintedupon and an inner surface which is affixed to the display surface 150.Preferably, the inner surface 164 of the label 160 is coated with anadhesive material 166 which is then placed in contact with the displaysurface 150, affixing the label 160 to the display surface 150.Preferably, the label 160 has a minimum thickness t₁ from 0.1 mm to 2 mmalong an outer edge 168 of the label 160. Preferably, the thickness t₁at the outer edge 168 of the label 160 is within ±0.5 mm of the depthd_(r).

With reference to FIG. 5, the widened gripping portion 116 may include asecond display surface 151 for receiving a second visual imprint 154.The second display surface 151 has an area A₂ which is large enough toclearly display the second visual imprint 154 from a distance of 1 cm to50 cm from a user. Preferably, the area A₂ is from 3 cm² to 50 cm², andmore preferably from 3 cm² to 10 cm², and most preferably from 3 cm² to8 cm². Preferably, the second display surface 151 is recessed a depthd_(r) into the handle 110 from an outer surface 118 of the handle 110.Preferably, the depth d_(r) is from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

The second visual imprint 154 may be any visually imprinted anddisplayed item, such as text, a symbol, a logo, a photo, or a work ofart. Preferably, the second visual imprint 154 is formed on a secondlabel 155 using either a printing process, an embossing process, or asilk-screening process, or any other process which may impart an imageonto an object. The second label 155 includes an imprinted surface 157upon which the second visual imprint 154 is imprinted upon and an innersurface which is affixed to the second display surface 151. Preferably,the inner surface of the second label 155 is coated with an adhesivematerial which is then placed in contact with the second display surface151, affixing the second label 155 to the second display surface 151.Preferably, the second label 155 has a minimum thickness t₁ from 0.1 mmto 2 mm along an outer edge of the second label 155. Preferably, thethickness t₁ at the outer edge of the second label 155 is within ±0.5 mmof the depth d_(r). A variety of substrates may be used for the labels160, 155, including paper, plastic, labels with an adhesive backing,metal, natural materials such as wood, fabric, leather or suede,synthetic materials, synthetic fabrics, and spray finishes.

Preferably, the handle 110 houses at least a portion of the retainedmember 170 within a portion of the handle 110. By having a widenedgripping portion 116, the handle 110 allows for a user to more easilygrasp the handle 110 and allows for a display surface 150 which is largeenough to receive and display a visual imprint 152 to a user.

The base stand 140 is detachably coupled with the handle 110 and formsan opening 142 through which at least a portion of the retained member170 extends into. The base stand 140 is preferably made from a hardened,stiff material, such as a polymer, a rubber, a ceramic, a wood, or ametal. The base stand 140 preferably has a widened base portion 146which allows for the base stand 140 to stand upright and for the basestand 140 to display and hold the handle 110 in an upright position.Preferably, the base stand has a width W_(B) of between 15 mm and 100mm, and more preferably of between 20 mm and 50 mm, so as to allow thedevice 100 to stand upright and be displayed on a desktop of a user.Preferably, the base stand 140 includes a generally flattened bottomportion 180 for maintaining the base stand 140 in a generally uprightposition and preventing the base stand 140 from tipping. Preferably, thewidth W_(B) is greater than the widths W₂ and W₃ of the handle 110, soas to prevent the device 100 from tipping over.

With reference to FIGS. 10-13, in one embodiment, device 100 includes ascreen cleaning device 182, preferably connected with the bottom portion180 of the base stand 140. The screen cleaning device 182 may be anydevice which can be used to remove particulates and dust from a displayscreen, including a brush or a screen cleaning fabric, such as a cottonfabric, a microfiber fabric such as a fabric made from synthetic fibersthat measure less than one denier, any soft cleaning fabric, anysynthetic or natural fabric or material which can be used for cleaningglass or plastic surfaces without significantly scratching the surfaces,such as cotton. The microfiber fabric may be made from polyesters,polyamides (e.g., nylon, kevlar, nomex, trogamide), and or a conjugationof polyester and polyamide. Preferably, the screen cleaning device 182is adhered to the bottom portion 180 with an adhesive, however, thescreen cleaning device 182 may be connected with the bottom portion in avariety of different ways, such as by using a press-fit, a snap-fit, afastener, or any other chemical or mechanical means for connecting twoobject together. In one embodiment, the screen cleaning device 182 is amicrofiber fabric which is adhered on the bottom portion 180 using anadhesive.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the device 100includes a protective cap 190 covering the screen cleaning device 182and detachably coupled with the base stand 140. The protective cap 190is preferably formed of a flexible rubber-like material, such as athermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or rubber, so as to better adhere to asmooth surface, such as a desk, and therefore, better retain the handle110 in an upright position. Preferably, the protective cap 190 includesa tab 192 which allows for easier coupling and decoupling between theprotective cap 190 and the base stand 140.

With reference to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the base stand 140 includesa first engagement member 144 formed around the opening 142, and thehandle 110 includes a complimentary second engagement member 112 whichis detachably coupled with an mates with the first engagement member144. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 14, in one embodiment, the engagementmembers 144, 112 include grooves 113 or bumps which are keyed into theouter surfaces of the engagement members 144, 112 to better couple theengagement members 144, 112 to each other. Preferably, the engagementmembers 144, 112 are shaped, using a keying or a unique shaping of theengagement members 144, 112, so as to be detachably coupled to eachother in only a single position or in only one of two positions.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, and 18, the retained member 170 isconnected with the handle 110. Preferably the retained member 170 isfixedly connected with the handle 110, such as by being embedded withinthe handle 110, or connected with the handle using a fastener such asglue, a pressure fit arrangement, or a mechanical fastener such as ascrew. The retained member is any device which can be embedded withinand/or extended at least partially from the handle 110, and includessuch things as a USB memory device, a brush, a touch screen stylus, apen, a marker, a pencil or any other writing utensil, tweezers, or alight-based device such as a flash light or a laser pointer.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, and 14-17, in one embodiment, the device100 is a cleaning device 200, wherein the retained member 170 is a brush130. The brush 130 includes a bristle retaining portion 120 and aplurality of bristles 132 connected with and extending from the bristleretaining portion 120. The bristle retaining portion 120 is anyelongated member to which bristles 132 can be connected to or affixedonto. In one embodiment, the bristle retaining portion 120 comprises asingle twisted wire 126 or a pair of twisted wires 126, 128 which aretwisted upon each other, and through which bristles 132 are placed andattached as the wires 126, 128 are being twisted. The resulting twistedwire structure of the bristle retaining portion 120 captures and holdthe bristles 132 in place, as shown in FIG. 16. Preferably, thethickness of each wire 126, 128 is between 0.1 mm and 0.75 mm, and morepreferably between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, and most preferably about 0.4mm±0.1 mm. Preferably, the bristle retaining portion 120 is made from astrong yet flexible material, such as: a metal like steel, stainlesssteel, brass, titanium, nickel, and aluminum; a carbon based materialsuch as carbon fiber; and a polymer-based material such as plastic. Inone embodiment, the bristle retaining portion 120 is made from steel,and preferably 28 gage stainless steel wire.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 19A-19E, the bristle retaining portion 120extends in a direction d₁ away from the handle 110. The bristleretaining portion 120 has a first end 122, or a pair of first ends 122a, 122 b, as shown in FIG. 19C, which is connected with the handle 110and an engagement area 124 located on the bristle retaining portion 120at a point 125 on the bristle retaining portion 120 which is furthestfrom the handle 110. The engagement area 124 engages the device orobject which the brush 130 is designed to clean, such as a keyboard 104,as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, and contains point 125 which is furthestfrom the handle 110 and on the bristle retaining portion 120.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 17, preferably, the engagement area 124of the bristle retaining portion 120 has a thickness t₁ from 1.5 mm to0.1 mm, and more preferably from 1 mm to 0.5 mm, and more preferably ofless than 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm, and most preferably of 0.8mm±0.2 mm. The thickness t₁ is measured in a direction d₂ which isgenerally perpendicular to the direction d₁ of the bristle retainingportion 120.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 19A-E, the bristle retaining portion 120may form one of a generally straight member (FIG. 1), a T-shaped member(FIG. 19A), an L-shaped member (FIG. 19B), a curved u-shaped member(FIG. 19C), a curved j-shaped member (FIG. 19D), or a curved o-shapedmember (FIG. 19E) to better clean the device of object being cleaned,such as a keyboard 104.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 17, in one embodiment, the bristleretaining portion 120 forms a generally straight member and the brush130 is conically shaped and forms a brush base 134 opposed to a brushtip 136. The brush base 134 is at the engagement area 124 and has adiameter D_(b) of greater than 3 mm and less than 20 mm. The brush tip136 is located on the bristle retaining portion 120 a distance away fromthe brush base 134.

The bristles 132 form brush 130 and define a brush diameter D_(b) forthe brush 130 that is preferably greater than 3 mm and less than 20 mm,and more preferably, greater than 5 mm and less than 15 mm, and mostpreferably about 11.5 mm±2 mm. If the brush diameter D_(b) is too greatthan the brush 130 will have difficulty fitting in between spaces formedbetween keys 106, 107 of keyboard 104. If the brush diameter D_(b) istoo small, then the brush 130 will not be able to effectively clean andremove particulates between and under the keys 106, 107 of keyboard 104.Preferably, the bristles 132 are formed from a soft flexible materialsuch as any polymer, nylon, polypropylene, and acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), having a thickness from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, and preferablefrom 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

Each bristle 132 has a length L_(b) of approximately half the brushdiameter D_(b). The longest bristles are preferably formed at the baseof the brush 130 at the engagement area 124, and have a length L_(b)that is preferably greater than 1.5 mm and less than 10 mm, and morepreferably, greater than 2.5 mm and less than 7.5 mm, and mostpreferably about 6.25 mm±1 mm. Preferably, bristles 132 at theengagement area 124 have a length L_(b) that is not too long, allowingfor the bristles 132 to expand fully once the bristle retaining portion120 is placed in between the spaces formed in between keys 106, 107, asshown in FIG. 15. Preferably, bristles 132 at the engagement area 124have a length L_(b) that is not too short as well, allowing for thebristles 132 to reach a distance D_(k) away from the bristle retainingportion 120 and under the keys 106 when the bristle retaining portion120 is placed in between the spaces formed in between keys 106, 107, asshown in FIG. 15. Preferably, twice the distance D_(k)(2·D_(k)) is equalto or greater than 50% of the distance D₁ between keys base portions206, 207, and preferably equal to or greater than 75% of the distance D₁between keys base portions 206, 207, and preferably greater than 90% ofthe distance D₁ between keys base portions 206, 207. In this manner, thebristles 132 at the engagement area 124 are long enough so as to coveras much area under the keys 106, 107 as possible, but short enough toallow them to expand fully and be generally perpendicular to the bristleretaining portion 120 once the bristle retaining portion 120 is placedin between the spaces formed in between keys 106, 107.

Bristles 132 extend from the bristle retaining portion 120. Preferably,the bristles 132 extend from the bristle retaining portion 120 at theengagement area 124 in any one of a variety of different directions. Asa result, the bristles 132 are able to extend underneath the keys 106,107 of the keyboard 104 to remove particulates and dust trappedunderneath the keys 106, 107 of the keyboard 104.

In one embodiment, at least some of the bristles 132 are connected withand extending in a direction d₂ from the bristle retaining portion 120.Direction d₂ is generally perpendicular to the first direction d₁. Asused herein, the term generally perpendicular refers to a direction thatis preferably from 60° to 120° that of the first direction d₁, and morepreferably from 70° to 110° that of the first direction d₁, and mostpreferably from 80° to 100° that of the first direction d₁. In thismanner, the bristles 132 are able to reach in between and underneathobjects such as keys 106, 107 of a keyboard 104.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, in one embodiment, at least some ofthe bristles 132 which are formed on the engagement area 124 extendgenerally in a secondary direction d_(S) when the bristles retainingportion 120 is placed in between the keys 106 and 107. In this manner,when the bristles retaining portion 120 is placed in between the keys106 and 107, some of the bristles 132 are able to extend in thesecondary direction d_(S) and reach underneath the keys. The secondarydirection d_(S) is defined as being generally parallel to any vectorwhich extends from the first key 106 to the second key 107, or anyvector within a plane which encompasses a vector that extends from thefirst key 106 to the second key 107. As defined herein, the termgenerally parallel is defined as parallel to within ±30°, and preferablyto within ±20°.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, preferably, the brush 130 and handle110 are detachable coupled to a base stand 140 which forms an opening142 through which the bristle retaining portion 120 and the brush 130extend into. Preferably, at least a portion of the bristle retainingportion 120 is housed within the base stand 140. In this manner, thehandle 110 is able to be displayed in an upright position and thebristles 132 of the brush 130 are able to be shielded and protected bythe base stand 140. Preferably, the base stand 140 includes a firstengagement member 144 formed around the opening 142, and the handle 110includes a complimentary second engagement member 112 which mates withthe first engagement member 144 to allow for improved engagement betweenthe base stand 140 and the handle 110.

With reference to FIGS. 14-15, the cleaning device 200 may be used toclean a computer or typewriter keyboard 104. The keyboard 104 includes apair of keys 106, 107 spaced apart a distance S₁ from each other.Preferably, the thickness t₁ of the bristle retaining portion 120 isless than the distance S₁ to allow for the bristle retaining portion 120and the bristles 132 to be inserted in between the keys 106, 107. Inuse, the engagement area 124 of the cleaning device 200 is firstinserted in between the keys 106, 107. Then bristles 132 are moved inbetween and under the keys 106, 107 in order to collect particulateswhich may be present either in between or under the keys 106, 107,unlike traditional brushes which may be used to clean keyboards andwhich have a hard time placing bristles underneath the keys 106, 107 andremoving particulates trapped underneath the keys 106, 107. Upon movingthe bristles 132 in between and under the keys 106, 107, the cleaningdevice 200 is then removed from in between the keys 106, 107 by pullingthe handle 110 up and away from the keys 106, 107.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims arehereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodimentsand implementations are possible within the scope of the invention.Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light ofthe attached claims and their equivalents.

1. A device for cleaning and removing particulates located in betweenand underneath a pair of keys of a mechanical device comprising: ahandle; a bristle retaining portion extending in a direction d₁ awayfrom the handle, wherein the bristle retaining portion has a first endconnected with the handle and an engagement area located on the bristleretaining portion at a point on the bristle retaining portion which isfurthest from the handle, wherein the engagement area has a thickness t₁of less than 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm, and wherein the thickness t₁is measured in a direction d₂ which is generally perpendicular to thedirection d₁ of the bristle retaining portion; and a plurality ofbristles connected with and extending from the bristle retaining portionat the engagement area, wherein the bristles form a brush, wherein thebrush has diameter of greater than 3 mm and less than 20 mm.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the bristle retaining portion forms one of agenerally straight member, a T-shaped member, an L-shaped member, acurved u-shaped member, a curved j-shaped member, or a curved o-shapedmember.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the bristles are formed from apolymer and have a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.
 4. The deviceof claim 2, wherein the bristle retaining portion forms a generallystraight member, wherein the brush is conically shaped and forms a brushbase opposed to a brush tip, wherein the brush base is at the engagementarea and has a diameter of greater than 3 mm and less than 20 mm, andwherein the brush tip is located on the bristle retaining portion adistance away from the brush base.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein theplurality of bristles are connected with and extending in the directiond₂ from the bristle retaining portion, and wherein the direction d₂ isgenerally perpendicular to the first direction d₁.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the bristle retaining portion includes a twisted wireor a pair of twisted wires.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein each wireshas a thickness t₂ of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm in order to fit in a space formedbetween the pair of keyboard keys.
 8. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a base stand which is detachably coupled with the handle andforms an opening through which the bristle retaining portion extendsinto, wherein the bristle retaining portion is housed within the basestand.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the base stand includes a firstengagement member formed around the opening, and the handle includes acomplimentary second engagement member which mates with the firstengagement member.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the base standretains the handle in a generally upright position upon mating.
 11. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the handle has a narrow base portion and awidened gripping portion for providing enough area for a user to retainthe handle, wherein widened gripping portion includes a display surfacefor receiving a visual imprint.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein thedisplay surface is recessed, wherein the visual imprint is formed on alabel, and wherein the label is affixed to the display surface.
 13. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the handle includes an outer surface and thelabel includes an imprinted surface opposed to an inner surface, whereinthe inner surface of the label is coated with an adhesive material whichis in contact with the display surface, wherein the display surface isrecessed a depth d_(r) in to the handle from the outer surface, andwherein the label has a thickness at an outer edge of the label which iswithin ±0.5 mm of the depth d_(r).
 14. A method for cleaning a computeror typewriter keyboard, wherein the keyboard includes a pair of keysspaced apart a distance S₁ from each other, the method comprising:inserting an engagement area of a cleaning device in between the keys,wherein the cleaning device includes: a handle, a bristle retainingportion extending in a direction d₁ away from the handle, wherein thebristle retaining portion has a first end connected with the handle andthe engagement area located on the bristle retaining portion at a pointon the bristle retaining portion which is furthest from the handle,wherein the engagement area has a thickness t₁ which is less than thedistance S₁, and wherein the thickness t₁ is measured in a direction d₂which is generally perpendicular to the direction d₁ of the bristleretaining portion, and a plurality of bristles connected with andextending from the bristle retaining portion at the engagement area,wherein the bristles form a brush, wherein the brush has diameter ofgreater than 3 mm and less than 20 mm; and moving the bristles inbetween and under the keys to collect particulates which may be present.15. The method of claim 14 further comprising removing the cleaningdevice from in between the keys.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein thethickness t₁ is less than 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm.
 17. The methodof claim 14, wherein the bristle retaining portion forms one of agenerally straight member, a T-shaped member, an L-shaped member, acurved u-shaped member, a curved j-shaped member, or a curved o-shapedmember.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the bristles are formed froma polymer and have a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the bristle retaining portion forms agenerally straight member, wherein the brush is conically shaped andforms a brush base opposed to a brush tip, wherein the brush base is atthe engagement area and has a diameter of greater than 3 mm and lessthan 20 mm, and wherein the brush tip is located on the bristleretaining portion a distance away from the brush base.
 20. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the plurality of bristles are connected with andextending in the direction d₂ from the bristle retaining portion, andwherein the direction d₂ is generally perpendicular to the firstdirection d₁.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the bristle retainingportion includes a twisted wire or a pair of twisted wires.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein each wires has a thickness t₂ of 0.2 mm to0.5 mm in order to fit in a space formed between the pair of keyboardkeys.
 23. A method for cleaning a computer or typewriter keyboard with acleaning device, wherein the keyboard includes a pair of keys spacedapart a distance S₁ from each other, and wherein the cleaning deviceincludes a handle, a bristle retaining portion extending in a directiond₁ away from the handle, wherein the bristle retaining portion has afirst end connected with the handle and an engagement area located onthe bristle retaining portion at a point on the bristle retainingportion which is furthest from the handle, and a plurality of bristlesconnected with and extending from the bristle retaining portion at theengagement area, the method comprising: inserting the engagement area inbetween the keys.
 24. The method of claim 23 further comprising movingthe bristles in between and under the keys to collect dust or otherparticulates which may be present.
 25. The method of claim 23, whereinthe engagement area has a thickness t₁ which is less than the distanceS₁, and wherein the thickness t₁ is measured in a direction d₂ which isgenerally perpendicular to the direction d₁ of the bristle retainingportion.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the thickness t₁ is lessthan 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm.
 27. The method of claim 23, whereinthe bristles form a brush, wherein the brush has diameter of greaterthan 3 mm and less than 20 mm.
 28. The method of claim 23 furthercomprising removing the cleaning device from in between the keys. 29.The method of claim 23, wherein the bristle retaining portion forms oneof a generally straight member, a T-shaped member, an L-shaped member, acurved u-shaped member, a curved j-shaped member, or a curved o-shapedmember.
 30. The method of claim 23, wherein the bristles are formed froma polymer and have a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.
 31. Themethod of claim 29, wherein the bristle retaining portion forms agenerally straight member, wherein the brush is conically shaped andforms a brush base opposed to a brush tip, wherein the brush base is atthe engagement area and has a diameter of greater than 3 mm and lessthan 20 mm, and wherein the brush tip is located on the bristleretaining portion a distance away from the brush base.
 32. The method ofclaim 23, wherein the plurality of bristles are connected with andextending in a direction d₂ from the bristle retaining portion, andwherein the direction d₂ is generally perpendicular to the firstdirection d₁.
 33. The method of claim 23, wherein the bristle retainingportion includes a twisted wire or a pair of twisted wires.
 34. Themethod of claim 33, wherein each wires has a thickness t₂ of 0.2 mm to0.5 mm in order to fit in a space formed between the pair of keyboardkeys.
 35. A device for displaying a visual imprint comprising: a handlehaving a narrow base portion and a widened gripping portion whichprovides enough area A₁ for a user to retain the handle and display avisual imprint, wherein the widened gripping portion includes a displaysurface for receiving the visual imprint; a retained member which isconnected with the handle; and a base stand which is detachably coupledwith the handle and forms an opening through which at least a portion ofthe retained member extends into, wherein at least a portion of theretained member is housed within the base stand, and wherein theretained member is one of a USB memory device, a brush, a touch screenstylus, a pen, a marker, a pencil or any other writing utensil,tweezers, or a light-based device such as a flash light or a laserpointer.
 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the base stand includes agenerally flattened bottom portion for maintaining the base stand in agenerally upright position.
 37. The device of claim 36 furthercomprising a screen cleaning device adhered onto the bottom portion. 38.The device of claim 37 further comprising a protective cap covering thescreen cleaning device and detachably coupled with the base stand. 39.The device of claim 36, wherein the base stand retains the handle in agenerally upright position.
 40. The device of claim 35, wherein the basestand includes a first engagement member formed around the opening, andthe handle includes a complimentary second engagement member which mateswith the first engagement member.
 41. The device of claim 35, whereinthe display surface is recessed, wherein the visual imprint is formed ona label, and wherein the label is affixed to the display surface. 42.The device of claim 41, wherein the handle includes an outer surface andthe label includes an imprinted surface opposed to an inner surface,wherein the inner surface of the label is coated with an adhesivematerial which is in contact with the display surface, wherein thedisplay surface is recessed a depth d_(r) in to the handle from theouter surface, and wherein the label has a thickness at an outer edge ofthe label which is within ±0.5 mm of the depth d_(r).
 43. The device ofclaim 35, wherein the retained member is a brush, and wherein the brushincludes a bristle retaining portion and a plurality of bristlesconnected with and extending from the bristle retaining portion, whereinthe bristle retaining portion extends in a direction d₁ away from thehandle, wherein the bristle retaining portion has a first end connectedwith the handle and an engagement area located on the bristle retainingportion at a point on the bristle retaining portion which is furthestfrom the handle, wherein the engagement area has a thickness t₁ of lessthan 1 mm and greater than 0.5 mm, wherein the thickness t₁ is measuredin a direction d₂ which is generally perpendicular to the direction d₁of the bristle retaining portion, and wherein the bristles form a brushhaving a diameter of greater than 3 mm and less than 20 mm.